The group made the request following June 15 attacks on the Muslim community in Aluthgama, in which four people died.

Sri Lanka's Muslim Council called on President Mahinda Rajapaksa on June 19 to ban extremist organizations that promote hatred and violence against the country's minorities.

The group made the request following June 15 attacks on the Muslim community in Aluthgama, in which four people died. The Muslim Council said that "appeals made to the police and other authorities by several Muslim groups and Muslim politicians to stop the rally in Aluthgama that preceded the recent attack were not heeded."

"We feel that it is necessary and urgent that the climate of impunity with which these groups have been permitted to act thus far be challenged," said a statement by the Muslim group. It urged for government action “to restore and uphold the rule of law in this country".

“It is necessary that a culture of respect for ethnic and religious tolerance - a part of this country's rich and ancient heritage - be endorsed and encouraged at the highest levels,” the Muslim council said.

The council alleged that the radical Sinhala Buddhist group, Bodu Bala Sena, had planned the June 15 attack. Wataraka Vijiyha Thero, a moderate Buddhist monk and harsh critic of Bodu Bala Sena, was found badly beaten up by unknown assailants on June 19.